Greetings.

I'm writing this post to thank everyone who put photos up on the group pix page! (including the random person from Bangkok)

I was able to finally show some of the Zoe kids, and they were thoroughly engrossed. There was a lot of 'why are they doing that' questions though. And lots of laughter. It was amazing to them when I said that the ocean water is cold, and showed them the picture of me and my mom at the beach wearing winter clothes.

I can see how that would be confusing. We live in a desert that doesn't get enough rain, and is sunny almost always, but the water is too cold to play in comfortably without a wetsuit.

Anyway, I feel like I'm on the home stretch. I have one week left to get everything done, and that doesn't feel like enough time. I'm really not worried, because I know that these projects aren't entirely dependant on me. And one of the wonderful things about Graphic Design is that I don't need to be here to finish them.

Well, I also wanted to direct you to a few new videos I've uploaded. They aren't really new, just new online. I decided to upload the Thai slap dancer, (wow that sounds bad) even though I shot it sideways. Just laugh at me then move on. Or I guess you could set your moniter on it's side, but that's up to you.

This one is some of the boys saying hi! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiWjmutW0Tk

This is the Thai funeral that we were offending people during by videoing it. We didn't realize it was a funeral until the coffin was right in front of us. Oops.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tH4dTqLQiw

Thailand tip #19
in Thai culture, the head is sacred and the feet are defiled. So, don't touch someone's head, and don't kick people either. And never kick someone in the head, unless you're a Muy-Thai-Master. (However, most of this does not apply in the Zoe homes, because they've been around foreigners for so long. See the degrading effect we have on them? - I mean the touching the head part, not the kicking the head part.)

Thailand tip #20
When coming to Thailand, don't bring boots or any type of shoes that take a long time to put on or off. If you go into a home, you're expected to remove your shoes, and this can get very tiring if you're constantly lacing and untying, then relacing and retying. Slip ons or sandals are the way to go.

Thailand tip #21
Ice is a beautiful thing in tropical countries. However, the ice may have been frozen using water that isn't clean, which is a scary thought. The way you can tell is this: if the ice has a hole in the middle of the cube. That way you know it was made by a machine. Crushed ice may have just been crushed on the ground out back.

The funny thing about all of these tips is that I really don't follow them anymore. I drink whatever's put before me in resturants, (providing the facility is clean and recomended by the locals) I constantly forget to bring TP, then I have to pay for it, I don't carry a parka... And as I'm walking down the street, soaking wet, I remember the little tips I've left for you here. I'll bet when you come, you'll remember all of these things and wonder why I don't follow my own advice.

Well, I hope I can at least amuse you with my silliness. And if I complain, you're allowed to duct tape my mouth or something.

It's my last day off before I head home on Sunday, so I'm going out with April to explore a little, hit the last few major tourist destinations that we haven't been to yet. I'm hoping to come back with lots of cool pictures. Love ya lotz!